La Ruta: a groundbreaking series focused on sexual and reproductive health
The La Ruta miniseries delves into topics such as gender-based violence, HIV and sexually transmitted infections prevention, and access to healthcare for people with disabilities in the Dominican Republic. Following the stories of Carlitos, Alondra, and Zelba, the series educates and inspires audiences to embrace social and behavioral change in sexual and reproductive health. This groundbreaking awareness initiative is carried out under the LISS project, with support from L’Initiative.
La Ruta (The Road in Spanish). The title of this miniseries represents the journeys of its main characters: Carlitos, Alondra, and Zelba. Their stories explore gender-based violence and sexual health issues, such as HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) prevention. As they face key life choices, they must decide how to shape their own futures. Carlitos, a taxi driver, grapples with toxic masculinity. Alondra, a woman with a disability, strives for greater autonomy. Zelba, a teenage girl left on her own, navigates a difficult and challenging environment.
An original method: education through entertainment
Developed as part of the Lucha para la Inclusión en el Sector de la Salud (LISS) project, this miniseries is produced by the Centro de Orientación e Investigación Integral (COIN) and the Círculo de Mujeres con Discapacidad (CIMUDIS), with support from L’Initiative. Through its episodes, the series delivers awareness-raising messages that align with the project’s objectives: improving access to HIV and STIs prevention and care for people aged 15-35 and women with disabilities in the Dominican Republic.
This innovative awareness format is built on the educational and entertainment method, pioneered by Mexican producer Miguel Sabido, and the social learning theory developed by psychologist Albert Bandura. The uniqueness of the series also lies in its writing and directing approach, which follows an engaging model tailored to its key audience: young people. This method ensures an authentic storyline that resonates with their everyday reality, making La Ruta not just a tool for awareness but also one for empowerment.
The characters of La Ruta reflect important public health and social issues. Each episode is designed to spark awareness, encourage self-reflection, and inspire positive behavioral change in its audience. In this way, La Ruta aims to act as both a driver of social change and a reliable source of information.
First aired in 2024 on Channel 4, where it reached 27,000 households, the miniseries is now broadcast on Channel 85 every Friday. On Instagram, La Ruta’s behind-the-scenes content has generated over 7,000 interactions and reached more than 135,000 people in 2024. The series is also screened at community events and showcased in gatherings focused on youth and women’s empowerment.
Access to sexual and reproductive health for women with disabilities
La Ruta explores themes at the core of the LISS project. The character Alondra, for instance, illustrates the barriers people with disabilities face in accessing sexual and reproductive health services, challenging taboos surrounding disability and sexuality. The series also highlights how women with disabilities are at higher risk of gender-based violence. In the Dominican Republic, they often lack access to reporting systems and adequate support services. Moreover, Alondra seeks to gain independence, struggling against the constraints of social and familial overprotection.
To tackle these issues in the field, the LISS project provides training for healthcare professionals and leads advocacy initiatives aimed at policy reform and a more inclusive health system. It also campaigns for greater representation of women with disabilities in decision-making spaces. Furthermore, workshops on sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence are held to foster their autonomy and empowerment.
Fighting STIs transmission among young Dominicans
The LISS project is also dedicated to reducing HIV and STIs transmission risks among young people in the Dominican Republic, a challenge reflected in the character of Zelba in La Ruta. At just 17, Zelba grows up in an environment where alcohol, drugs, and unsafe sexual practices are common. To address these risks, the LISS project has launched weekly workshops on these topics. These workshops aim to empower young people by providing them with essential knowledge, tailored to their specific needs.
As an extension of the project’s fieldwork, La Ruta adopts a unique educational approach to sexual and reproductive health. This miniseries serves as an awareness-raising tool, reaching vulnerable youth while emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making in health and personal empowerment.
